The Monocle Daily Will he or won’t he? Trump mulls joining Israel’s strikes on Iran
Jun 19, 2025
Gorana Grgić, Monocle's sharp security correspondent, teams up with Gabe Bullard, a culture and tech journalist based in Basel. They dive into the pressing question of whether the U.S. will join Israel in a military strike on Iran. The duo explores the implications of Trump's foreign policy and how his base feels about potential military engagements. They also touch on the complexities of NATO dynamics amid ongoing global tensions, sparking a robust discussion about America’s role in shaping international alliances.
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Europe's NATO Wake-Up Call
- European NATO members are under pressure to 'wake up' and increase defense spending due to US demands.
- Trump's shifting goalposts complicate Europe's efforts to meet these expectations consistently.
Europe's Reliance on US Defense
- Europe depends heavily on US support for intelligence, logistics, and nuclear deterrence.
- Despite tensions, there's a strategic push to keep the US engaged to maintain European defense capabilities.
Trump's Dilemma on Iran Intervention
- Trump faces a conflict between his traditional anti-war rhetoric and pressure to support Israel's strikes on Iran.
- Despite previous campaign promises, his base might still follow him into supporting US involvement in a Middle Eastern conflict.